ARCHIVE: Category Archive for: Signage Tips

Would Your Sign Win An Academy Award?

Metro Sign and Awning graphic designers and fabricators love bringing signs to life. But would our jobs make a good movie? Well, probably not. Carefully fabricating any sign requires extensive knowledge and experience with a host of tools, techniques and materials. And painting the finished sign is another highly specialized part of the process. While we know that watching paint dry isn’t exactly the stuff that wins Oscars or Academy Awards, we had to share this video of one of our great painters at work. (Thanks, Pete!) The video offers a quick overview of our sign painting techniques and various stages, including: Pre-treat and base layer Full second and third pass Masking/border mask, stencil mask Potter cut vinyl Light first pass Full

Our talented creative team is already hard at work creating signs you’ll see in 2017, but they recently got together to discuss some of their favorite signage projects of 2016. ADA Signage Required in most buildings, ADA signage must be created and installed according to strict guidelines. At Metro, we strive to create ADA signage that is not only a functional, but also a beautiful, addition to interior design. We enjoy the challenge of designing ADA signage that incorporates elements of our clients brands, that is also compliant and enhances building utilization for all. Awnings Awnings and enclosures can update a business image, invite customers into a new entrance, and serve as new and additional signage. In some cases, helping a

enovating an old sign is something like a makeover. The ‘after’ appears beautiful true to the original, but sports an even better, brighter look. And when a sign renovation includes moving from fluorescent bulbs to bolder, brighter LEDs, there’s also a significant energy cost savings. One restaurant owner in Keene, NH recently discovered how a relatively simple sign renovation can make a big difference in how people view the business. Upgrading, Updating a Business Sign Long established Papagallos restaurant has legions of fans in the Keene, NH area. But people who are new to the area or who are driving through town on business might not have known what they’d find on the menu. The Papagallos family specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. But the

We hope your 2017 is off to a stellar start! Here’s a look at one of the first signs that came out of our fabrication shop this year.

Our Top Interior Sign Posts of 2016

Interior signage is a complex animal. One part interior design, one part marketing, one part pure function… with equal parts art and creativity, budget-sensitivity, building ordinances and regulatory compliance. We field a lot of questions about interior signage – many related to ADA regulations and building codes, others about branding, longevity of materials, and ROI. Below, some of the most popular posts and tips on interior signage from 2016. If you have an interior branding, POS, wayfinding, or other signage project coming in 2017, take a look at some of these interior sign examples, or contact us directly with your questions. We’re happy to help you tame your complex interior signage “animals!” Tips and descriptions of some related Boston-area sign

All of us here at Metro Sign & Awning send a hearty “Congratulations!” to the team at Dellbrook and everyone involved in the West of Chestnut development in Quincy. We were excited and honored to be involved very early (probably before the earliest point in this time-lapse video!) interior signage evacuation map Metro design Boston While the video shows the dramatic transformation, you don’t see all the behind-the-scenes planning and design decisions that go into creating interior signage that complements a beautiful interior while serving an important (possibly life-saving) purpose for residents and visitors. More on that later. For now, here’s a glimpse at some of the preliminary sketches, hinting at how professional sign designers work to ensure interior signage meets codes, is ADA compliant, and is created and installed to be

With this post and others in our Signs 101 series, we do our best to cut through “sign speak.” Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us. freestanding monument sign Boston bank __________________________ The three basic types of Freestanding Signs are monument, pylon, and post and panel signs. Below you’ll find definitions, descriptions and examples. Freestanding signs, not surprisingly, stand on their own (as opposed to wall-mounted signs, for example). Thanks to posts or a self-supporting base, freestanding signs are architectural structures separate from buildings and other structures. While they are often designed to be about on eye-level with drivers and/or pedestrians, others are considerably taller, intended to serve as architectural centerpieces for a business or corporate park. Illuminated pylon sign Keene New England Monument Signs are

Interior directional signage (also called interior wayfinding signage) is incredibly helpful to building users on a day-in and day-out basis. Of course, those interior signs also must meet ADA standards. But when a facility’s use has changed or a new group of building visitors is expected, a little extra emphasis can help everyone. Bright and bold vinyl graphics to the rescue! Going Back to School with Vinyl Interior Graphics Summer’s just begun and it’s already time for institutions to prepare for classes (and students!) next semester. Metro Sign & Awning is helping day care facilities, community centers and other organizations prepare for Back to School season with new vinyl graphics that add color, enhance branding, and assist building users with wayfinding.

A story about a business owner from Atascadero, CA who was willing to go to court over a sign caught our eye earlier this year. Temporary and unconventional signage can be a sticky area for businesses and government, one that’s costly for both. Whether it’s retail or wayfinding signage, the ultimate test for any sign from a user standpoint is, “is it helpful?” Municipal authorities try to strike a balance between the needs of business owners, area residents or visitors, and the general public safety. It’s not an easy thing to do. Sign Design, Permitting and Approval Process Whether designing a new sign or updating an existing sign, reviews and approvals are almost always necessary. And who enjoys being told

Time marches on, and with it, technology. There was a time when neon and fluorescent lighting for signage was “high tech” and just about the best we could do. But those times are now gone. Today, we’ve discovered LED illumination, and it’s advantages are literally stupendous. They include: Major savings on operating costs and maintenance. Less pollution, land-fill, and greenhouse gas emissions – so they’re better for the environment. A more modern appearance for any signage – even outdated ones. Better visibility at night, in fog or rain – just about any weather conditions. Far less prone to breakdowns, damage, wear and tear, or unforeseen failures, so they’re more reliable. Last far longer, so your signage investment stretches over many